DLA, ESA, PIP, UC Reasonable Adjustments and Vulnerable Person status

Hi Everyone,

Is anyone else having issues with Reasonable Adjustments and Vulnerable Person status, in relation to DLA, ESA, PIP, UC?
It would appear after doing a little research online that DWP staff members are regularly ignoring requests for reasonable adjustments made under the Equality Act 2010.

A person identified as disabled under the Equality Act and is recorded as such on your DWP records. That is, they are in receipt of disability benefits, such as: DLA, ESA, PIP, UC.

why is it acceptable for the DWP to ignore repeated written instruction to communicate in writing, only, as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010?

A person is accepted as having mental health issues, such as: panic, anxiety, depression, etc., should be recorded under the claimant's name in the DWP system. That they are therefore classed as a vulnerable person under DWP legislation.
Sounds so straight forward but it isn’t, I have been trying to get the DWP to acknowledge my Reasonable Adjustments and Vulnerable Person status, for weeks, this is despite leaving multiple Journal messages and even writing to the DWP directly. But still nothing?

The DWP state: Under the Equality Act 2010, DWP is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the way it provides services ensuring all customers are able to access and use our services fully. They go on to say, to support customers who require a reasonable adjustment, DWP offers a variety of communication methods: face to face contact on our premises; home visits; telephony; online services; and written communications such as the claimant commitment form, which can be provided in alternative format for example braille, large print or audio.

How is it then that after multiple failed attempts the DWP, are still failing to except my Reasonable Adjustments and Vulnerable Person status, despite my meeting the criteria for both, by not applying the Law to them correctly?

I was just wondering if anyone else was having, or had these issues when it comes to this, and the DWPs reluctance to cooperate, or meet their obligations. And how they managed to get it sorted, by getting the DWP to accept their Reasonable Adjustments and Vulnerable Person status?

Navigator.

Hi BIS,

It may not be the majority, but it is the Law..... And the DWP are ignoring that fact.

I asked to not attend face to face, and they told me I had to.
I have yet to go in as I am away.
My ID interview is with a ‘work coach’ even though I told them I am medically retired…
I have also been marked as ‘did not attend’ to an interview I told them I could not attend.
Initially I was scared about UC. Now I am just expecting gross incompetence.
Which is less stressful, as I can just point at my journal where there is a written record of everything.

In my personal, but limited experience, the DWP don't seem to take the Equality Act seriously.
Most recently I had to attend the JC twice for my ESA migration.
To my horror it was an open plan office in a corner of the library.
I was going to ask for reasonable adjustments but I spotted their 'accessibility' section on my UC account, and ticked 'quiet space.'
On my second visit I raised this, and the staff member told me they had no quiet spaces, and I would have to travel 5 miles to the next town if I want one.
I think this is a disgrace!
Unfortunately, solicitors are very expensive, and there are hardly any that specialise in disability discrimination when obtaining a service.
I think this is the reason why the Equality Act is largely voluntary for service providers.
If you're brave you can sue them as a 'litigant in person,' and there are two excellent websites to help you do so.
Unfortunately I'm too old and beaten to fight back anymore.

Good luck with your situation, though.

Hi Ted Pea,
I have today not only got the DWP to accept the Equality Act 2010. Reasonable Adjustments, but also My Vulnerable Person Status, and Safeguarding my health, and well-being. Victory.

I am sorry to hear the problems you are having, but I want to reassure not only you or anyone else reading this post, you do not need a Solicitor, Nor is the Equality Act largely voluntary for service providers..
(It is the LAW) and the DWP must abide by it.

Finally you do not need to sue anyone to get the help you need.
You say you are too old, and beaten to fight back, but you are on this website so you must want to fight back. The DWP want people who just give up as it makes their job easier. If I may make a few suggestions.

1. As long as you have a condition such as Cancer, Mental health, or Physical condition, means you are disabled. Then you come under the Equality Act 2010. and are entitled to reasonable adjustments.

2. The legal definition of disability under the Equality Act. That means the DWP had a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for you from the moment you inform them of a condition, that complies with the act, and from that point forward, they are breaking the law if they dont comply.

3. can you get to a Citizens Advice centre, or help the Aged, they can help you with Reasonable adjustments. There is a long wait for their services, but it will be worth it.

I hope this helps you

Navigator.